If your car doesn t have any of the features mentioned above then it will need a door jamb type of roof rack.
Types of roof rails.
Different cars require different base roof rack systems so the first step is to assess which roof rack options are available for your car and then select the type best suited for what you want it to do for you.
There a number of cars that come from the manufacturer with roof rack mounting points built.
There are 7 basic roof types.
The newest style of rail.
The thule complete.
Usually two bars that run across the width of the vehicle roof which you then mount your activity specific racks to.
Rain gutter roof.
Thule aeroblade roof rack bar.
In this type of roof rail the feet of the roof rail are attached.
Crossbars support the weight of all the gear you re adding to the roof and transfer the weight to the towers feet.
Today great diversity exists in passenger vehicle roof types.
Raised roof rails most likely seen on suv and station wagon style cars.
Roof rack types rain gutters.
Roof bars for cars without rails or fix points.
Solid roof rails very similar to the above except they don t have any gaps between the rail and he vehicle roof.
When it comes to quality this is one of the best products available.
Vehicles are equipped with roof rails to simplify the attachment of various kinds of roof racks and carrying.
Rain gutters still exists on some late model.
These are as the name implies rails that are raised up probably about 2 inches on the vehicle roof.
This makes them look all cool and streamlined so you will likely find them on cars and suvs with a more modern design style.
Factory track fixed point.
Many suvs wagons and crossovers are equipped with factory installed side rails that run.
Factory optional crossbars.
To determine what type your roof is check out the images below.
Thule complete crossroad system.
Types of roof racks side rails flush raised.
What are roof rails.
Whether it s ski racks bike racks cargo boxes kayak racks etc.
As the name suggests this type of roof rack clamps to the car door jambs the door jamb is the part of the roof you can see when you open the door see the image below.
Top 15 best roof rails and roof racks.
The next most common roof type is the raised side rails found on the majority of suvs wagons and mini vans.